Why Gifting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) on an 18th Birthday Isn’t as Mad and Dull as It Sounds
Turning 18 is a milestone moment, the threshold of adulthood, freedom, and responsibility. Most teenagers are busy thinking about university, jobs, travelling, or maybe just celebrating with mates. Suggesting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) as a birthday gift might raise some eyebrows, if not full-blown laughter.
But hear us out; giving an LPA isn’t just legally sound, it’s an act of love, foresight, and protection that your 18-year-old future self might one day thank you for.
What Is an LPA, and Why Now?
In England and Wales, the moment someone turns 18, they’re legally an adult. That means no one, not even their parents, can automatically make decisions on their behalf if something goes wrong. Whether it’s managing their bank account, sorting out bills, or making decisions about medical care, an LPA is the only way to legally appoint someone trusted to act on their behalf if they’re ever unable to do so.
According to the Office for National Statistics, September is the biggest month of the year for people turning 18, with nearly 9% of all births in England and Wales. So now is a great time to start thinking about what to give them.
There are two types of LPA:
Health and Welfare: Enable individuals to make informed decisions about their medical treatment, care, and daily routines.
Property and Financial Affairs: Allows someone to manage money, pay bills, deal with banks, or handle property.
An LPA only comes into effect if the person loses capacity (temporary or permanent) or, in the case of financial decisions, chooses to let their attorney help them at any time.
“But They’re Young and Healthy, Isn’t This for Old People?”
That’s the biggest myth. Yes, LPAs are often associated with ageing, dementia, or end-of-life planning, but accidents, mental health crises, or sudden illness can affect anyone at any age. A car crash, a sports injury, or an episode of poor mental health could all leave someone temporarily unable to manage their own affairs. Without an LPA in place, family or friends may have to apply through the Court of Protection, a slow, stressful, and costly process, just to step in and manage the individual’s affairs.
Setting up an LPA before it’s needed is like having insurance; you hope you never need it, but if you do, it’s a lifesaver.
A Practical, Meaningful Gift
Giving an LPA as a birthday gift might not come wrapped in shiny paper, but it’s a profound and thoughtful gesture. It says:
“I respect that you’re now an adult and in control.”
“I care about your future and want to help protect it.”
“I trust you to make wise decisions and help you prepare for the unexpected.”
In fact, many young adults appreciate the nudge to think about independence in a practical, grown-up way. It sparks a conversation about responsibility, privacy, and legal rights, and can help build trust between generations.
How to Make It a Gift
Since an LPA isn’t exactly “gift-wrapped” material, there are many ways to make this a meaningful gift. For example, you could:
- Pay the registration fees and solicitor costs, and present in a card with a brief explanation of what it is and why you’ve done so.
- Include a printed, bound copy of the LPA or a folder titled “My Adulting Toolkit” with a personalised message.
- Pair it with something symbolic, such as a pen, journal, or a “grown-up” accessory (like a passport holder or briefcase).
It’s Not About Control, It’s About Choice
Some worry that an LPA gives someone else too much control. In reality, the person creating the LPA (called the “donor”) stays in control unless they’re unable to act. The LPA only steps in when needed, and only in the ways the donor has chosen. It’s a safeguard, not a takeover.
They can even appoint more than one person (such as mum and dad or a trusted friend) and set limits or guidelines on what can be done. It’s tailored, flexible, and all about autonomy.
Get the Legal Ducks in a Row Early
The earlier an LPA is created, the better. You can only make one while you have full mental capacity, which means waiting until a crisis is too late. Starting young also means avoiding any risk of someone questioning whether the person fully understood what they were signing.
Once registered, the LPA is there quietly in the background. Hopefully unused, but ready if ever needed.
The Bottom Line
Giving someone the gift of an LPA at 18 isn’t boring, controlling, or overcautious; it’s wise. It’s an empowering gesture that quietly says: “You’re an adult now, and I want to help you protect your future.”
Forget the usual clichés; sometimes the best birthday gifts don’t come in boxes: they come with peace of mind.
Who Can Help Me Arrange Such an Empowering Gift?
For added confidence and peace of mind, we recommend consulting an expert, such as those at Redwood. These are essential documents that can be complex to complete accurately, which can lead to rejection if submitted inaccurately. Someone impartial, such as a professional, can help explain things to a young adult while ensuring that family complexities and specific wishes are catered to in the drafting of the document.
For more information on our LPA service or to book a callback from an expert, please complete our contact form for call back.
